Working out with the Roller Rebels

I’ve always been intrigued by roller derby. Something about the theatrics of it combined with the skill and athleticism and power necessary to skate fast and knock other people down makes for an interesting sport. So when I got the chance to work out with the Long Island Roller Rebels for an episode of ExploreTV, well, game on.

Because I was considered a “fresh blood,” meaning brand new to the sport, and hadn’t skated since around sixth grade, I couldn’t get in the mix during the scrimmage. I did join in for the pre-skating workout though, which nearly killed me, and tried some skating basics.

Overall, the whole piece was a lot of fun. This was a great group to hang out with, very open and welcoming, and their enthusiasm for derby was obvious. If I wasn’t freaked out by concussions and bruises and broken bones, which I am, I’d definitely join.